The film, which is based on Nas’ debut album Illmatic, has become a hit at the Cannes Film Festival in France, according to MSN.

According to Variety, the global deal for the film was negotiated by several people.

“The deal in was negotiated by David Koh, Dan Braun and Josh Braun of Submarine on behalf of the filmmakers along with Paul Wiegard, Managing Director of Madman Entertainment; Oli Harbottle, Head of Distribution for Dogwoof; Christophe Ott, Managing Director of NFP; Anastasia Plazzotta, Managing Director of Feltrinelli Italy; Yuuki Matsuzawa, Parco Japan; and Jakob Abrahamsson, Director of Acquisitions for NonStop Entertainment,” the report says.

“I want to thank Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal & the Tribeca Film family for all of the love & support they’ve given Time Is Illmatic,” Nas said. “It is an honor to be in partnership with them. I feel there is a cultural kinship bonded by the city of New York.”